Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science

Established in 1966, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science stands as a testament to a community’s fight for healthcare equality. Born from the ashes of the Watts riots, Charles R. Drew University emerged as a beacon of hope in South Los Angeles. The McCone Commission, tasked with investigating the riots, highlighted the severe lack of medical access in the area. This glaring inequity fueled the drive to create an institution dedicated to serving the underserved. Charles R. Drew University was the answer. Named after the pioneering African American physician, Dr. Charles R. Drew, the university embodies his commitment to medical excellence and service to humanity. Dr. Drew’s groundbreaking research on blood preservation revolutionized medicine. His legacy continues to inspire Charles R. Drew University’s mission to train health professionals dedicated to social justice and health equity. The university started as the Charles R. Drew Postgraduate Medical School. It later expanded its academic offerings, becoming a full-fledged university in 1987. Three schools now call the 11-acre campus home: the College of Science and Health, the College of Medicine, and the Mervyn M. Dymally College of Nursing. Charles R. Drew University has a unique partnership with UCLA. Medical students complete their initial two years at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. They then finish their clinical training at Charles R. Drew University, gaining invaluable experience in the local community clinics. The university is deeply rooted in community engagement. The Community Faculty Track, introduced in 2010, integrates local leaders into the university’s research and educational goals. This collaborative approach strengthens the ties between the university and the community it serves. Charles R. Drew University has been recognized as a minority-serving institution and a historically black graduate institution. It has faced challenges and overcome them, emerging stronger and more committed to its mission. Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science continues to be a vital force for change, shaping the future of healthcare by educating a diverse generation of compassionate and skilled health professionals. It serves as a powerful reminder that access to quality healthcare is a fundamental right for all.